compound

(kŏm-poundˈ, kəm-, kŏmˈpoundˌ)

1. To combine so as to form a whole; mix.
2. To produce or create by combining two or more ingredients or parts: pharmacists compounding prescriptions.
3. To settle (a debt, for example) by agreeing on an amount less than the claim; adjust.
4. To compute (interest) on the principal and accrued interest.
5. To add to; increase: High winds compounded the difficulties of the firefighters.

1. To combine in or form a compound.
2. To come to terms; agree.

1. Consisting of two or more substances, ingredients, elements, or parts.
2. Botany Composed of more than one part.

1. A combination of two or more elements or parts. See Synonyms at mixture.
2. Linguistics A word that consists either of two or more elements that are independent words, such as loudspeaker, baby-sit, or high school, or of specially modified combining forms of words, such as Greek philosophia, from philo-, “loving,” and sophia, “wisdom.”
3. Chemistry A pure, macroscopically homogeneous substance consisting of atoms or ions of two or more different elements in definite proportions that cannot be separated by physical means. A compound usually has properties unlike those of its constituent elements.
4. Botany
   a. A leaf whose blade is divided into two or more distinct leaflets.
   b. A pistil composed of two or more united carpels.

Related Forms:

• com·poundˈa·ble adjective

• com·poundˈer noun

(click for a larger image)

compound¹

left: pinnately compound leaf

right: palmately compound leaf

(kŏmˈpoundˌ)

1. A building or buildings, especially a residence or group of residences, set off and enclosed by a barrier.
2. An enclosed area used for confining prisoners of war.